Timeless Regency Collection: A Holiday in Bath by Julie Daines, Caroline Warfield, and Jaima Fixsen
Summary from Amazon:
TRIAL OF THE HEART by Julie Daines
Marianne Wood has been summoned to Bath to testify against the man who killed her family. She dreads coming face to face with the monster of her nightmares, but finds surprising comfort under the care of a charming barrister, Harby Northam. Despite his kindly attentions, Mr. Northam is a shrewd and discerning man of law with an awful secret. Marianne is put to the test as she deals with the evil of her past and her growing affection for the mysterious Mr. Northam.
LORD EDMUND’S DILEMMA by Caroline Warfield
Lucy Ashcroft doesn’t share her stepmother’s belief that she might find a husband during her sojourn in Bath, but she does enjoy a respite from a household full of half-siblings and a younger sister preparing for her London Season, something Lucy can’t even dream about. In Bath, she enjoys the company of the elderly ladies in her aunt’s circle, and happy to be out from under her stepmother’s watchful and speculating eye. But when Lucy meets Lord Edmund Parker, all of her expectations for a quiet, unassuming holiday suddenly change.
THE ART OF KISSING IN THE PARK by Jaima Fixsen
Caroline Trenholme is not pleased with Bath, the fussy, antiquated resort of the shabby-genteel. She ought to be in London, finding a man—not here, coddling her irrational grandmother. In the park, she crosses paths (literally—this is Bath, after all) with a nameless, mannerless rogue, intent on stealing a kiss. As if his proposition weren’t insult enough, even her dog seems to like the man better. It's impossible! Especially once she suspects she might like him too…
4 Stars
Received ebook in exchange for an honest review
My Review:
I am so excited to go to Bath in a few weeks with my family. My daughters and I have read Regency books and watched movies like Persuasion and Northanger Abbey that have settings in Bath. This collection of stories brings me into that Regency Bath world and amps up my anticipation all the more.
Interestingly, each story has a hero who is or becomes a working man. These aren't the usual dashing Lord and Lady stories. The heroes are atypical of a Regency story, more unassuming and hard workers. The heroines aren't wilting violets looking for rescue. These women are opinionated and feisty. When you put these men and women together, you get great stories set in a great location.
Bath is known for its Roman baths and it's mineral waters . It is a place for healing and respite. It is also know for being a place to "get away" or holiday, sometimes even a place to be "sent away". Each story has healing in some way whether in a medical sense or in an emotional sense.
I'm looking forward to seeing the Roman baths and the streets and sites where these characters had their holidays.
Warnings: None
I would let my (now) 16 year old read this collection.
The Rise of Miss Notley by Rachael Anderson
Summary from Goodreads:
To escape an undesirable match, Miss Notley must give up her riches for rags.
When Miss Coralynn Notley’s father barters her off to the first titled gentleman to come along, she realizes she must flee her home or be forced to wed a despicable man. Driven by desperation, she applies for the position of housekeeper at Tanglewood Manor, the home of the handsome Mr. Jonathan Ludlow.
The moment Jonathan sees Miss Notley, he is intrigued. She is far too young and inexperienced, yet there is something about her that inspires a certain hope within him. Does he dare offer her the position of housekeeper or will doing so result in catastrophe?
5 Stars
Received ebook in exchange for an honest review
My Review:
The Rise of Miss Notley is the 2nd book in Rachael Anderson's Tanglewood Series. Each is stand alone, but there are characters that cross over. The first story is The Fall of Lord Drayson.
Like The Fall of Lord Drayson, this historical story has some twists in it. At the same time, some of the story is predictable. Once you read the summary, you know that Miss Notley is going to get the job as housekeeper.
At times I am nervous reading about her trying to do her job. I think Rachael Anderson did a good job of keeping it real though. Miss Notley makes lots of mistakes and she "gets in trouble" for them. But somehow with her positive attitude she is able to persevere.
The romance is just right. The attraction builds until the 2 characters admit there is more. One of the twists for me is how the two are able to eventually come together (let's be honest, we knew they'd get together). It is not an easy process since Miss Notley is at one time the housekeeper. And, her parents are horrible. They are able to overcome these obstacles and it is a satisfying ending without being boringly predictable.
I look forward to the next book The Splash of Lady Harriet.
Warnings: None
I would let my 15 year old read this book.
You can purchase this book:
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The Vicar's Daughter by Josi S. Kilpack
Summary from Goodreads:
Cassie, the youngest of six daughters in the Wilton family, is bold, bright, and ready to enter society. There's only one problem: her older sister Lenora, whose extreme shyness prevents her from attending many social events. Lenora is now entering her third season, and since their father has decreed that only one Wilton girl can be out at a time, Cassie has no choice except to wait her turn.
Evan Glenside, a soft-spoken, East London clerk, has just been named his great-uncle's heir and, though he is eager to learn all that will be required of him, he struggles to feel accepted in a new town and in his new position.
A chance meeting between Evan and Lenora promises to change everything, but when Lenora proves too shy to pursue the relationship, Cassie begins to write Mr. Glenside letters in the name of her sister. Her good intentions lead to disaster when Cassie realizes she is falling in love with Evan. But then Evan begins to court Lenora, thinking she is the author of the letters.
As secrets are revealed, the hearts of Cassie, Evan, and Lenora are tested. Will the final letter sent by the vicar's daughter be able to reunite the sisters as well as unite Evan with his true love?
5 Stars
Received ebook in exchange for an honest review
This book is due to release in April 2017
My Review:
This is another book in Shadow Mountain's A Proper Romance Line. Josi Kilpack has written several books in this line. This one is excellent, just like the others.
I could tell from the description of this book that I was going to be uncomfortable. I have a hard time with the "reveal" of deception. I always wonder how it could possibly work out. So I went in to this book already wondering "how can this possibly work out?".
I enjoyed reading the development of the relationships in this book. Some of these relationships include Cassie's relationships with her sister, her parents, herself and Evan as well as Lenora's relationship with Evan, her parents, and herself. The relationships change in the course of the book to a deeper level. They mature as the characters gain more understanding and develop their own selves.
As much as this is a romance, one of my favorite aspects of the book is the development of Cassie and her sister, Lenora. Both women are stilted in their emotions. Both are somewhat self absorbed. As they reap the consequences of their actions, they see life from a different perspective. They see each other from a different perspective as well. They mature in being concerned for others.
And, I truly loved both Cassie and Evan as their relationship unfolded. I hoped that they could find happiness, hopefully with each other, but if not, then somehow with someone else. There were painful moments and happy moments and I'm glad that I had a smile on my face when the book ended. Josi Kilpack found a way for the conflict to "work out".
Warnings: None
I would let my 15 year old read this book.
You can pre order this book:
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Deseret Book
A Timeless Romance Anthology: Valentine's Day Collection by Janette Rallison, Heather B. Moore, Jenny Proctor, Annette Lyon, Heather Tullis, and Sarah M. Eden
Summary from Goodreads:
A BRUSH WITH THE LAW by Janette Rallison
Bethany has endured a streak of depressing Valentine’s Days. And this one is turning out no different. Her friend set her up on a blind date—and Bethany can only hope that James will be a decent guy. But it seems the fated day has other plans, and Bethany finds herself in the middle of a comedy of errors that make a blind date with a stranger the least of her problems.
EVERY OCCASION by Heather B. Moore
When Maurie moves back to her hometown to open up her dream shop, she calls a local construction crew for help. Former teenage crush Grant shows up on her front porch, answering the call for the construction job, and Maurie’s memories of her troubled childhood return with full force. When she discovers Grant has a troubled past of his own, Maurie realizes that she might have misjudged him all along.
HOLD YOUR BREATH by Jenny Proctor
As Kayla trains for the Olympic swimming trials, she vows to never let another boyfriend get in her way. When she finds out her younger sister’s new high school swim coach is Nate—the guy Kayla had a huge crush on when they were in school together—Kayla realizes that her resolve is weakening. But Kayla isn’t willing to risk giving up her Olympic dream for anyone, not even charming Nate.
THE ULTIMATE BACHELOR CHALLENGE by Annette Lyon
When Sam’s long-time boyfriend, Steve, texts that he has something important to ask her on Valentine’s Day, she’s sure that he’s going to propose. Determined to look great for the big day, she hits the all-night laundromat to wash her favorite outfit. When her clothes are chugging away in a machine, Steve calls and pops a question—not one she ever would have expected. Reeling with shock, she’s left facing the holiday alone, unless you count the other person at laundromat, a guy leaning against his own washer, intent on his phone.
DEAL BREAKERS by Heather Tullis
The last place Colette wants to be stranded is the snowed-in Denver airport, especially when her sister is enduring chemo treatments and needs Colette’s help back home. When Colette runs into another stranded passenger—none other than former college boyfriend Drew—she can’t believe how much he’s changed . . . and hasn’t changed. Drew is still the same amazing guy that Colette was foolish enough to blow off for someone else. By the time she’d realized her mistake all those years ago, Drew’s heart had been too broken to give her a second chance. Now Colette can only hope that she can work her way back into his heart.
HEY, HELEN! by Sarah M. Eden
On the surface, Helen seems to have her life figured out. Her advice column, Hey, Helen!, is gaining more readers every week. She regularly hangs out with the guy next door, laughing and chatting over pizza and work. But when her feelings for her handsome neighbor begin tiptoeing toward something more than friendship, Helen can’t help hoping Neil might feel the same way. Between her own uncertainties, his friend-zone treatment of her, and a pair of loudly interfering parents, Hey, Helen! could use a little advice in love.
3.5 Stars
Received ebook in exchange for an honest review
My Review:
This collection of stories does not cover simple, romantic Valentine's Day dates. Each of these stories seems to find something embarrassing, awkward, and yes, fun too. I enjoy some of the stories better than others. I have a hard time reading stories about people in extremely embarrassing situations and some of these do have those. One thing I like about A Timeless Romance Anthologies is that the stories will end on a positive note. So even as I'm cringing while I'm reading some of these stories, I know that there will be a positive resolution.
If you are looking for pure romance, this isn't that collection. Yes, there is romance, but working through some sort of conflict to get to that point is the bulk of the stories.
Warnings: None
I would let my 15 year old read this collection.
You can purchase this collection:
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BN
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Timeless Regency Collection: A Season in London by Elizabeth Johns, Heather B. Moore, and Rebecca Connolly
Summary from Goodreads:
POOR RELATIONS by Elizabeth Johns
As a ‘poor relation,’ Emma Standrich has already pre-empted her dismal Season by applying for a governess post. Her aunt and cousin are kind enough to sponsor her, but in truth, Emma is just waiting for it to all be over. Emma’s grief over the death of her brother while in military service casts a pallor on everything else in her life. When Colonel Shelton, the man who was her brother’s superior, asks her to dance at her first ball, Emma is more surprised than anyone. But she has questions for him, and soon she’s caught up in an intrigue she wasn’t expecting—both of the heart and the mind.
EDWARD & EMILY by Heather B. Moore
As a second son, Edward Blackwood never anticipated becoming heir to his family estate, or the need to find a wife and secure that inheritance. But with the death of his older brother, Edward is thrust into a life he never wanted. When his mother encourages him to be kind to his long-time neighbor Emily Foster, a girl he’d hardly paid attention to while growing up, Edward realizes that returning home might not be such a set-back after all.
A SPORTING SEASON by Rebecca Connolly
Daphne Hutchins is no simpering female who aims for a husband with a fortune. In fact, she’d be more than happy to live her life free of the heartache that men seem to bring. So when she sets out to play the fool in front of the ton during her first Season in order to send all eligible men running, she’s quite unprepared for James Woodbridge. Bored, but with a sense of family duty, James arrives for the Season, anticipating going through the expected motions befitting any gentleman. What he isn’t prepared for is Daphne Hutchins and the way she completely upends his heart.
4.5 Stars
Received ebook in exchange for an honest review
My Review:
I love all things Regency. I'm delighted that A Timeless Romance Anthologies has been doing the all Regency Collections.
This lovely collection centers around the ups and downs and ins and outs of the London Season. There are rules, there are places to see and be seen, and there are lots of matchmaking mommas. In each of these stories, the characters push the boundaries of London Society's rules in one way or another. They may show interest in someone who is not who their "momma" would like. Or they may purposefully sabotage their season in an effort to control their fate. These stories each take a different look at the typical London Season.
Warnings: None
I would let my 15 year old daughter read this collection.
You can purchase this collection:
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The Reformer by Jaima Fixsen (The Power of the Matchmaker series)
Summary from Goodreads:
Mary Buchanan has bigger worries than the radical journalist moving in next door who’s spoiling her father’s digestion: unrequited love for a footman, a fractious aunt, patiently awaiting her destiny…
Already she’s nearly eighteen. No sign of destiny yet, but Mary’s certain he’ll be handsome.
Then she meets the reformer, this Mr. Samuel Brown. Destiny is closer at hand than Mary has supposed—if she can just get Mr. Brown to realize it.
3.5 Stars
Received ebook in exchange for an honest review
My review:
This last book the Power of the Matchmaker series has a different feel than the others.
First, Miss Pearl is never called Miss Pearl in this book. If you've read the other stories, you know it's her. If you haven't read the other stories, you know it's the matchmaker, but it just isn't as overt as some of the other books.
Second, this story has more mature content. There is talk of sexual intercourse and how it is done in a round-about way. I was surprised when I read it. It isn't too graphic, but definitely discussed more than in any of the other books.
Third, the romance isn't as "sweet" as some of the others. There is a bit of a love triangle and lovey feelings aren't discussed as much.
Having said all of this, I still like this book. I don't love it like I did some of the other Power of the Matchmaker books, but I find it an interesting read based on the time period and the situation the characters are in. Like some of the other Power of the Matchmaker books, it takes me to a time and place I don't know much about and I find that engaging.
Warnings: Talk of sexual intercourse
I would let my 15 year old read this book after I warned her that there would be talk of sex in it.
You can purchase this book:
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